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Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology

Sandra Hall

PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology

May 6, 2013

Dr. Kristi Husk

Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology

Psychology is a diverse discipline with many facets. Throughout the years, scientists have

developed a variety of disciplines to understand and explain human behavior from their

respective fields. One such development is the discipline of abnormal psychology. It is a

relatively young discipline and consists of six core concepts. These concepts aid in the diagnosis

of abnormal behavior, and includes various theoretical models to help understand

psychopathology.

The Origins of Abnormal Psychology and Its Evolution into a Scientific Discipline

Andrew Colman defines abnormal psychology as “a branch of psychology devoted to the study

of the classification, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and

disabilities” (Colman, 2009, p. 2).

The desire to understand human behavior and (mental) illness dates back to the Ancient Greeks.

In 460 BCE, Hippocrates documented his first attempts to understand mental illness. He believed

illnesses are the result of an imbalance of various bodily fluids. Hippocrates’ observations led to

the development of the very first biological theory of mental illness and emphasized the

importance of the observation of the patient’s symptoms rather than relying on religious beliefs

(Hansell & Damour, 2008). Hippocrates’ findings began the progress of scientific evolution.

The Greeks continued their quest to understand the human mind and the origins of human

behavior. Author Daniel Willingham states approximately 2,400 years ago, philosophers such as

Plato and Aristotle started their inquiry on how humans learn (cognition) and remember

(memory) (2007). In addition, they wondered whether one inherits or learns certain knowledge

and behaviors (nature versus nurture). The quest to find answers to the ancient Greek’s questions

temporarily halted during the Dark Ages and Middle Ages because of the influence of the

Christian Church. During this time, the consensus was to attribute the cause for abnormal

behaviors described in biblical texts to demonic or divine interference. These behaviors may very

well be symptoms of schizophrenia or other mental illnesses according to today’s definition

(Hansell & Damour, 2008).

The Renaissance period (13th through 16th century) gave rise to humanism, which emphasized

an individual’s secular concerns. The separation between church and state had begun and

resulted in huge developmental leaps in terms of science. This progress fostered the development

of modern science (Willingham, 2007). French philosopher René Descartes largely contributed

to this development. He was the first scientists to highlight the concept of dualism as it is known

today; the mind and the body are two separate organism with the ability to influence each other.

In the late 1800s, two psychological perspectives emerged to explain abnormal behavior. The

somatogenic perspective explained abnormal behavior as the result of physiological factors. The

psychogenic perspective emphasized the importance of psychological causes in regard to

abnormal behavior. The somatogenic view piqued the interest of Wilhelm Wundt, who is

considered to be the founder of modern psychology (Comer, 2005). From this point on, the

development of psychology as a discipline gained momentum and led to the establishment of its

various sub-specialties and theories. One of the most important contributions to the development

of abnormal psychology is Sigmund Freud’s psychodynamic theory because “it has a particular

place of importance in the field of abnormal psychology as the first comprehensive theory of

psychopathology” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 44). Freud’s work was the foundation for the

development of a variety of theories and psychological perspectives, all of which seek to find

explanations for abnormal behavior.

Theoretical Models Related to the Development of Abnormal Psychology

With the development of different psychological perspectives, various theoretical models

originated. These notions include the psychosocial-, biological/medical-, and the sociocultural

theoretical model. Each model lends a unique perspective to explain abnormal behavior.

The psychosocial theory was developed by Erik Erikson and stresses the influence of cultural

aspects, social adjustment, and psychological predicaments throughout a person’s life (Berger,

2011). His theory highlights eight developmental stages; within each stage the individual

encounters a developmental crisis. To move to the next stage one has to overcome this crisis.

According to this theory, healthy psychological development depends on an individual’s positive

interaction with his or her social environment.

The biological/medical theory describes the physical and biochemical aspects involved in

abnormal behavior (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates,

who believed specific bodily fluids contribute to a person’s health or illness. The main focus of

this theory is the influence of the brain, brain abnormalities, brain injuries, and brain chemistry

on behavior. For example, brain abnormalities have been linked to the development of

schizophrenia, whereas abnormal brain chemistry seems to contribute to depression (Hansell &

Damour, 2008).

The sociocultural theoretical model highlights the “influence of large social and cultural forces

on individual functioning” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 63). According to this theory, mental

illness is influenced by a society’s norms and beliefs. A person learns appropriate or

inappropriate behaviors and values through observation of his or her environment. The

development of abnormal behavior is further exacerbated by stress, pressure, and other

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Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Sandra Hall PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology May 6, 2013 Dr. Kristi Husk Historical Perspectives of Abnormal Psychology Psychology is a diverse discipline with many facets. Throughout the years, scientists have developed a variety of disciplines to understand and explain human behavior from their respective fields. One such development is the discipline of abnormal psychology. It is a relatively young discipline and consists of six core concepts. These concepts aid in the diagnosis of abnormal behavior, and includes various theoretical models to help understand psychopathology. The Origins of Abnormal Psychology and Its Evolution into a Scientific Discipline Andrew Colman defines abnormal psychology as "a branch of psychology devoted to the study of the classification, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and disabilities" (Colman, 2009, p. 2). The desire to understand human behavior and (mental) illness dates back to the Ancient Greeks. In 460 BCE, Hippocrates documented his first attempts to understand mental illness. He believed illnesses are the resu ...
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